I have a 2004 Taurus, with the DOHC engine. Is it necessary to replace the spark plug wires at 100K miles when I replace the spark plugs for the first time? Also, is it best to stick with Ford plugs, or are other brands comparable? I’ve heard good things about Autolite, and bad things about Champion and Bausch in this application.
I recommend you use the same original type plugs. Why buy uncertainty to save a few coins? What dos the service manual say about plug wires? If there’s no recommended replacement interval and no sign of misfiring I would change them at 10 years.
The engine in your vehicle doesn’t use sparkplug wires. Instead the engine utilizes a coil-on-plug ignition system.
Tester
The plugs and wires should be the least of your worry. With this engine, to change the rear spark plugs, the whole engine has to come out! On the regular model the plugs are accessible. I would leave this job to a professional.
When you change them, better change everything els there too. This was not one of Ford’s better ideas.
Thanks for you replies. Do the coils have to be replaced? The car is running fine, I’ve never had a CEL, and it consistently gets about 26-27 MPG. I’m not planning on doing it myself.
If the Check Engine light isn’t on, there are no misfires. So the coils are fine.
Tester
Here are several people who say that the engine does NOT have to come out to replace the spark plugs, or wires: http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_is_the_best_way_to_change_the_rear_spark_plugs_on_a_Ford_Taurus_3.0_DOHC
Another approach to try is to remove the alternator and bracket. Then, you may be able to go in from the fender side. Let us know what works, ok?
The estimates I’ve received have been roughly 400-500. That includes removing the intake manifold, but obviously not dropping the engine. Does that estimate sound about right in NJ?
For $500 bucks, I would drive it until it started misfiring. The plugs went 100,000 miles, maybe it will go 200,000…This sounds like a job that could get sideways real fast…